Funeral services were held Sunday for George Beverly Shea. Often called "America's beloved gospel singer," he died at the age of 104 in Asheville after a brief illness.Hundreds were in attendance at Anderson Auditorium to celebrate the life and legacy of the man whose voice carried the Billy Graham Crusade Team for more than six decades.His music touched millions around the world. Shea sang to an estimated audience of 200 million.His friend the Rev. Billy Graham said in a statement, "I've been listening to Bev Shea sing for more than 70 years, and I would still rather hear him sing than anyone else I know." Shea was known for his thunderous voice. Before Graham took the stage, Shea would calm the crowd with song.Shea joined the Billy Graham Crusade Team in 1947.As his friends and colleagues praised his talents at his funeral, Shea was also remembered for the way he lived."About 27 years ago, a world-famous and highly accomplished man who was twice my age came to me and asked for permission to marry my mother," Steve Aceto recalled.Aceto told the audience the lesson he learned from his stepfather that day."I have since come to understand that this was a gift of a Christ-like man showing me something of what God is like, humility and deference, with a sense of humor," Aceto said.Shea is survived by his wife, Karlene and his son and daughter from his first marriage, Ronald and Elaine. He was preceded in death by his first wife Erma, who passed away in 1976.According to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Shea was born in Winchester, Ontario, Canada. He was the son of a Wesleyan Methodist minister.Shea recorded more than 70 albums, won a Grammy in 1965, and in 2011, was awarded a lifetime achievement Grammy.Four years ago, News 4's Michael Cogdill interviewed Shea, just after he turned 100 years old. He asked Shea what he wanted written on his tombstone.Shea replied, "Oh, a spiritual message. But, at the end of it, 'he stayed on pitch.'"

MONTREAT, N.C. —

Funeral services were held Sunday for George Beverly Shea. Often called "America's beloved gospel singer," he died at the age of 104 in Asheville after a brief illness.

Hundreds were in attendance at Anderson Auditorium to celebrate the life and legacy of the man whose voice carried the Billy Graham Crusade Team for more than six decades.